1962 Jaguar E-Type 'Series 1' 3.8-Litre Roadster
Registration no. 279 UYS
Chassis no. 877502

'If Les Vingt Quatre Heures du Mans has been responsible for the new E-Type Jaguar, then that Homeric contest on the Sarthe circuit will have been abundantly justified. Here we have one of the quietest and most flexible cars on the market, capable of whispering along in top gear at 10mph or leaping into its 150mph stride on the brief depression of a pedal. A practical touring car, this, with its wide doors and capacious luggage space, yet it has a sheer beauty of line which easily beats the Italians at their own particular game.' - John Bolster, Autosport.

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin.

The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint: firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.

Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub-frame that supported the engine. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained.

Despite the E-Type's gorgeous appearance, taller drivers could find its interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. But of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to February 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable. Today, the E-Types graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time.

This left-hand drive roadster was despatched to Jaguar Cars, New York on 3rd August 1962 as a 'Personal Export Delivery' having been registered in Coventry as '2171 WK' (this number has been applied for by the vendor and it is hoped will be granted to it by the DVLA). '877502' is offered for sale today fresh from a two-year full restoration and is presented in commensurately excellent condition. This fully matching-numbers car has been restored in its original colour combination of red with matching interior - the latter expertly re-trimmed by Mike Turley - and black hood while incorporating the following enhancements: high-torque starter motor, Dynator electric generator, electronic ignition, and a high-efficiency aluminium radiator. It comes with a V5C registration document and Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate.